CHESTER S. ANDERSON, APPELLANT,
v.
STATE OF FLORIDA, APPELLEE
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Conviction for attempted trafficking in cannabis exceeding 100 pounds reversed because the state failed to prove the weight beyond a reasonable doubt; conviction reduced to attempted possession of cannabis under 100 pounds.
The state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the contraband weight exceeded 100 pounds, so the conviction for attempted trafficking in excess of 100 pounds must be reversed and reduced to attempted possession of cannabis under 100 pounds.
[1] When the state fails to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that contraband weight exceeds a statutory threshold, a conviction for trafficking in that amount must be reversed…
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Join FLexlaw to unlock all legal intelligenceChester S. Anderson was convicted of attempted trafficking in cannabis in excess of 100 pounds in a drug transaction involving Linder and Julie Ann Ar…
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PER CURIAM.
This is a companion case to Linder v. State, 493 So. 2d 1091, decided this date.
Appellant Chester S. Anderson was found guilty of being involved in a drug transaction with Linder and Julie Ann Archie. As was Linder, Anderson was convicted specifically of attempted trafficking in cannabis in an amount in excess of 100 pounds.
We have carefully scrutinized the record regarding the weight of the contraband and find the state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the weight of the contraband exceeded 100 pounds, excluding wrappings and other non-contraband material. Thus, the evidence does not support the conviction of attempted trafficking in cannabis in an amount in excess of 100 pounds, but less than 2000 pounds, in violation of section 893.135(4), Florida Statutes. However, the evidence does support the lesser included offense of attempted possession of cannabis in an amount less than 100 pounds but over 20 grams.
We have considered Anderson’s other points and hold that none demonstrates reversible error. Accordingly, the judgment and sentence appealed from are affirmed in all respects except the conviction and sentence for conspiracy to traffic in cannabis in an amount in excess of 100 pounds but less than 2000 pounds in violation of section 893.135(4), Florida Statutes, are reversed and the cause is remanded with directions to enter judgment of conviction on the lesser included offense of attempted possession of cannabis in an amount less than 100 pounds but over 20 grams and resentence appellant.
AFFIRMED IN PART; REVERSED IN PART; and remanded with directions.
DOWNEY, LETTS and STONE, JJ., concur.